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Securing compensation for people harmed by Bair Hugger devices

The 3M Bair Hugger system was invented in the 1980s to keep hospital patients warm before, during, and after surgery involving anesthesia. Acting as a forced-air warming blanket system, the Bair Hugger became a common fixture at hundreds of hospitals across the U.S. and has been used millions of times.

Unfortunately, the Bair Hugger system has a dangerous design flaw, increasing the risk to patients of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), sepsis, and other hospital-acquired infections after certain surgeries.

Researchers discovered that the heat generated by the Bair Hugger devices can inadvertently cause bacteria and other contaminants on hospital floors to become airborne by re-directing airflow. For patients undergoing knee, hip, or heart valve replacement surgery, these airborne contaminants can spread to surgery sites, causing serious infections and leading to further surgeries and disability. In fact, in a 2010 New York Times article, the inventor of the Bair Hugger system, Dr. Scott Augustine, claims it should no longer be used because of safety risks.

Working in collaboration with other national law firms, Berman & Simmons is handling claims involving patients who developed serious infections after surgeries in which Bair Hugger and other forced-air heating systems were used. There are strict statutes of limitations in medical device lawsuits, so it’s important to get in touch with us as soon as possible if you believe you have a potential Maine Bair Hugger Lawsuit.

Call 207-784-3576 for a free consultation.

For Bair Hugger lawsuits, talk with a local Maine law firm you can trust

If you, a family member, or someone you love has suffered a serious infection following orthopaedic or cardiac surgery or has been harmed by the use of a Bair Hugger, a lawyer at Berman & Simmons can help. We have the expertise and resources to make sure you receive full compensation for the harm done to you, and to hold manufacturers accountable for their actions.

We’re proud to be the trusted firm in Maine for people who have been seriously injured, and families that have suffered losses, through no fault of their own. We are recognized as the best personal injury and medical malpractice law firm in Maine and among the best in the U.S. We have obtained several of the largest jury verdicts in Maine history, and many of the largest settlements for our clients.

Call 207-784-3576for a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we win by settlement or jury verdict.

What compensation can I receive if I was harmed by a Bair Hugger device?

Under state and federal law, victims of defective products have the right to recover financial damages for various categories of loss, including:

Pain, suffering, and emotional distress, past and future

Interference with your enjoyment of life

Medical expenses, past and future

Time lost from work

Loss of future earnings

Wrongful death damages (for the estate)

How to find out if you have a Maine Bair Hugger lawsuit

Dozens of Bair Hugger lawsuits have been filed nationwide against 3M and its subsidiary company, Arizant Healthcare, which sells more than 20 models in the Bair Hugger product line.

The first lawsuit against 3M was filed by a 70-year-old Texas man who developed a deep joint infection after undergoing hip replacement surgery. The man had several additional surgeries, including one to remove his artificial hip, due to the infection allegedly caused by the Bair Hugger. That case and many others remain ongoing.

Overall, the lawsuits allege that 3M and Arizant Healthcare were aware of the risks of hospital-acquired infection, particularly for joint surgery and heart valve replacement patients, but did not warn patients or the medical community. Some claims also allege the companies tried to conceal scientific research that found problems with forced-air warming systems.

The first step in determining whether or not you have a valid claim is a free consultation with one of our attorneys. We will conduct a thorough review of your medical records and answer any questions you might have.

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The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. Providing information or communicating with Berman & Simmons through our website is not intended to create, and does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.

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Berman & Simmons has the experience, expertise, and resources to win your case

Berman & Simmons is the leading personal injury and medical malpractice law firm in Maine. For more than 100 years, our trial attorneys have represented those who have been injured or harmed by the actions of others. These personal injury cases range from car and truck accidents to the most complex litigation involving defective products and malpractice by healthcare providers. We are known as the firm that will stand up and fight for injured Mainers in disputes against big corporations and powerful interests.